TuesdayMarch 20,2018

Jin Air to offer Seoul-Naha service from 4900 yen

On November 16, at the Okinawa Prefectural Office, Jin Air announced they would start regular flights between Seoul and Naha.

November 17, 2012 Ryukyu Shimpo

On November 16, the low-cost airline Jin Air, a subsidiary of Korean Air, announced that they will commence seven weekly flights between Seoul and Naha from December 24. Currently this route is only serviced by Asiana Airlines.

Jin Air uses the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which have about 180 seats. The company aims to have flights running to 75-percent capacity. Besides the Okinawa route, they started a Seoul-Sapporo service in July 2011.

To create of point of difference from Asiana Airlines, Jin Air offers the low, internet transaction round-trip price of 4900 yen, which excludes tax and fuel surcharges. They serve in-flight meals, will carry 20 kilograms of baggage for free, and will have a Japanese-speaking cabin attendant on board each flight. The tickets will be on sale from November 19 through the company’s website and Jumbo Tours, a travel agency with its head office in Naha.

In a press conference held at the Okinawa Prefectural Office, the managing director of the company, Hong-Geun Chong, said that they hope to develop new customers for their business. “We hope that many people who have never been to Okinawa because of the high price of airfares will be able to visit there.” He also stated that they are thinking of increasing the number of flights to match demand, and also using New Ishigaki Airport, which is scheduled to open next year.